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Pleurisy Question

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Posted 4/23/2009 1:25 AM (GMT 0)

Hello Everyone,

I had to go to the ER last weekend for severe chest pain. Ouch. It turned out to be pleurisy (inflammation of the lining of the lungs), they said it was common with lupus. I got stronger pain killers and was told to see me rheumy asap for a medication adjustment, I'll see him soon.  I was just wondering if anyone has experienced this, how long it lasted, did it come back? Does it mean my lupus is getting worse? Thank you all for any info.

Posted 4/23/2009 8:09 AM (GMT 0)
That's so weird, because I actually just got over it. I just woke up with it one morning. I took 600mg ibuprofen which helped, then I went to the doctors office and he gave me prednisone and vicodin. It took a few days for me and it seemed to have gone away, but I could be wrong because it did the same thing a while ago. I had it one day and the next I didn't, and then a few days later it snuck up on me again. It's very strange!

As for the amount of time it takes to go away, I think that depends on the severity of the inflammation and the meds you have, to make the inflammation go down.

And I don't really know if it means the lupus is getting worse cause I wondered the same thing, it definitely means it's pretty active.

Hope you feel better soon ]:

Post Edited (LadyTsuguri) : 4/23/2009 2:12:35 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/24/2009 1:49 AM (GMT 0)

HI.  The first time I had pleurisy was in July of 08.  They gave me pain killers, and I took a day and a half off work to recover.  The pain was awful!  It went away mostly within the next few weeks,  but then decided to return whenever it wanted up until probably last month.  It's different for everybody, but yes, pleurisy can be caused by Lupus.  It doesn't necessarily mean your Lupus is getting worse and it can be caused by certain medications often prescribed to Lupus patients.  Pretty much this is just one more thing we have to tolerate with our illness.  When pleurisy starts to bother me, I'm usually told to take up to 3 of my anti-inflammatory pills per day until it calms down.  Normally I just take 1 per day.  Just make sure to get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids to keep that lining from drying out. 

Take care!

Posted 4/25/2009 2:23 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Catzz:

Sorry to hear that you've got pleurisy. I deal with this problem on and off all the time. I have pleurisy more than I don't have it. When we have pleurisy our doctors should be able to hear the inflammation. I usually have my steroids increased and much heavier pain med prescribed for me. I hope that you problems with pleurisy clears up for you soon. If you feel like you're not getting the proper care, ask to see a pulmonary doctor they'll be able to gauge how much your lungs are involved. I know this is all scary for you, try to take a slow deep breath and remain clam. Talk to you doctor and have them send you to a lung specialist. Wishing you the very best.

Hugs,
Barb
Posted 4/25/2009 3:18 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, I had that too... It was terrible and lasted many weeks... That was one of the sickest times in my life....but I have not had it since....
Posted 4/25/2009 4:04 AM (GMT 0)
Hello, I know how scary it is the first time you experience pluerisy. It is not fun at all. I get it alot. Rest and steroids is really all that helps me. Take care of youyrself and I hope you feel better soon....:)
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